Beverage maker

ABSTRACT

A beverage maker includes a body and a cover movably attached to the body. The body includes therein (among other components), a hot liquid generator (HLG) having a tank, an inlet for receiving liquid into the tank and an outlet, at least one heater in thermal communication with the liquid in the HLG tank, and a discharge port in fluid communication with the outlet of the HLG for discharge of the liquid. The cover is movably attached to the body between a closed position and an open position. At least one valve permits the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port in a closed position of the cover. The at least one valve is mechanically actuated by the cover in the open position of the cover to substantially prevent the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 14/613,682, filed Feb. 4, 2015, entitled “PumpOperated Beverage Maker,” the disclosure of which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally directed to a beverage maker, andmore particularly, to a steam or pump operated beverage maker.

Typical hot beverage makers are generally steam operated or pumpoperated. One advantage of pump operated beverage makers is that theinternal pressure of the system can be better regulated by the beveragemaker's control system. Conventional air pump operated beverage makers,however, may continue dispensing a heated beverage if a user opens thebeverage maker's lid/cover while the air pump is running, which may leadto injury, e.g., burn injury, from heated liquid being sprayed onto theuser.

Some manufacturers have attempted to address this potentially hazardoussituation by employing a solenoid that electronically opens and closes apressure release valve in the beverage maker. The solenoid is programmedto open the pressure release valve whenever the lid of the beveragemaker is opened, to quickly release the pressure within the system,thereby preventing further dispensing of the heated beverage or a sprayof hot liquid. One drawback of such a setup, however, is that if theelectronics of the beverage maker are compromised, or malfunction, inany manner, the solenoid may not properly operate to electronically openthe pressure release valve. Accordingly, the beverage maker may not stopdispensing the heated beverage as intended and spray of hot liquid mayoccur. Another drawback of such a setup is that a solenoid is arelatively expensive component, the cost of which is ultimately impartedonto the consumer.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to employ a more cost effective,mechanical solution for releasing the pressure within the system,unrelated to the beverage maker's electronic circuitry, for preventingfurther dispensing of a heated beverage or accidental spray of the hotliquid if the lid of the beverage maker is opened during operation ofthe air pump.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Briefly stated, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to abeverage maker. The beverage maker comprises a body, a hot liquidgenerator (HLG) positioned within the body and having a tank, an inletfor receiving liquid into the tank and an outlet, at least one heater inthermal communication with the liquid in the HLG tank, and a dischargeport in fluid communication with the outlet of the HLG for discharge ofthe liquid. A cover is movably attached to the body between a closedposition and an open position. At least one valve permits the dischargeof the liquid via the discharge port in a closed position of the cover,and the at least one valve is mechanically actuated by the cover in theopen position of the cover to substantially prevent the discharge of theliquid via the discharge port.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a beverage makercomprising a body, a hot liquid generator (HLG) positioned within thebody and having a tank, an inlet for receiving liquid into the tank anda first outlet, at least one heater in thermal communication with theliquid in the HLG tank, and a discharge port in fluid communication withthe first outlet of the HLG for discharge of the liquid. A cover ismovably attached to the body between a closed position and an openposition. A pressure release valve is in continuous fluid communicationwith a second outlet of the HLG, the pressure release valve comprising avalve seat mounted to the cover and a complementary valve stem mountedto the body. The valve stem sealingly engages the valve seat in theclosed position of the cover, thereby preventing release of pressurewithin the tank therethrough. Movement of the cover from the closedposition to the open position mechanically disengages the valve stemfrom the valve seat, thereby releasing pressure within the tanktherethrough.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a beverage makercomprising a body, a hot liquid generator (HLG) positioned within thebody and having a tank, an inlet for receiving liquid into the tank anda first outlet, at least one heater in thermal communication with theliquid in the HLG tank and a discharge port in fluid communication withthe first outlet of the HLG for discharge of the liquid. A cover ismovably attached to the body between a closed position and an openposition. A pressure release valve is mounted to the cover and in fluidcommunication with a second outlet of the HLG, the pressure releasevalve comprising a valve stem, a valve seat, and a biasing memberbiasing the valve stem into disengagement from the valve seat. The bodyengages and mechanically actuates the valve stem into sealing engagementwith the valve seat in the closed position of the cover, against thebias of the biasing member, thereby preventing release of pressurewithin the tank therethrough. The body is disengaged from the pressurerelease valve in the open position of the cover, such that the biasingmember maintains the valve stem disengaged from the valve seat, therebyreleasing pressure within the tank therethrough.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a beverage makercomprising a body, a hot liquid generator (HLG) positioned within thebody and having a tank, an inlet for receiving liquid into the tank andan outlet, at least one heater in thermal communication with the liquidin the HLG tank, and a discharge port in fluid communication with thefirst outlet of the HLG for discharge of the liquid. A flexible tubefluidly communicates the HLG outlet and the discharge port and a coveris movably attached to the body between a closed position and an openposition. A pinch valve is mounted onto the flexible tube, the pinchvalve including a biasing member biasing the pinch valve into a pinchingposition, pinching the flexible tube and obstructing fluid flow from theHLG outlet to the discharge port. The biasing member is mechanicallyengaged and actuated by the body into a release position in the closedposition of the cover, permitting fluid flow from the HLG outlet to thedischarge port. The biasing member returns the pinch valve to thepinching position in the open position of the cover.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a beverage makercomprising a body, a hot liquid generator (HLG) positioned within thebody and having a tank, an inlet for receiving liquid into the tank andan outlet, at least one heater in thermal communication with the liquidin the HLG tank, and a discharge port in fluid communication with thefirst outlet of the HLG for discharge of the liquid. A cover is movablyattached to the body between a closed position and an open position. Adiverter valve comprises an inlet in fluid communication with the HLGoutlet, a first outlet in fluid communication with the discharge port, asecond outlet in fluid communication with a separate bypass port, and asealing member mechanically linked with the cover. The sealing member ismovable between a bypass position, sealingly engaging the diverter valvefirst outlet such that the diverter valve inlet is in fluidcommunication with the diverter valve second outlet, and a dischargeposition, sealingly engaging the diverter valve second outlet such thatthe diverter valve inlet is in fluid communication with the divertervalve first outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction withthe appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure,there is shown in the drawings embodiments of a beverage maker which arepresently preferred. It should be understood, however, that thedisclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of a beverage maker according toa first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of certain components of thebeverage maker of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged top, front perspective view of an upper portionof the beverage maker of FIG. 1, with a cover of the beverage maker in apartially open position;

FIG. 3B is a schematic block circuit diagram between a controller and anair pump of the beverage maker of FIG. 1, with a switch therebetween inthe off position;

FIG. 3C is a schematic block circuit diagram between the controller andthe air pump of the beverage maker of FIG. 1, with the switchtherebetween in the on position;

FIG. 4A is a partial cross-sectional right side elevational view of thebeverage maker of FIG. 1, taken along sectional line 4A-4A of FIG. 1,with an embodiment of a pressure release valve engaged by the cover;

FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional right side elevational view of thebeverage maker of FIG. 1, taken along sectional line 4A-4A of FIG. 1,with an alternative embodiment of a pressure release valve engaged bythe cover;

FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional right side elevational view of thebeverage maker of FIG. 1, taken along sectional line 5A-5A of FIG. 1,with the cover in the open position and a metering valve in the closedposition;

FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional right side elevational view of thebeverage maker of FIG. 1, taken along sectional line 5A-5A of FIG. 1,with the cover in the closed position and a metering valve in the openposition;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional left side elevational view of thebeverage maker of FIG. 1, taken along sectional line 5A-5A of FIG. 1,showing a floatation member and floatation stem for indicating an amountof liquid in the hot liquid generator;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional left side elevational viewof the beverage maker of FIG. 1, taken along sectional line 4A-4A ofFIG. 1, with the cover in the closed position and a basket coversealingly engaging the basket

FIG. 8A is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of an alternativeembodiment of a pressure release valve in a beverage maker according toa second embodiment of the disclosure, with the cover in an openposition;

FIG. 8B is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the beveragemaker of FIG. 8A, with the cover in a closed position;

FIG. 9A is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of anotheralternative embodiment of a pressure release valve in the beverage makerof FIG. 8A, with the cover in an open position;

FIG. 9B is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the pressurerelease valve of FIG. 9A in the beverage maker of FIG. 8A, with thecover in a closed position;

FIG. 10A is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of a beveragemaker according to a third embodiment of the disclosure, with the coverin an open position;

FIG. 10B is a partial, cross-sectional elevational view of the beveragemaker of FIG. 10A, with the cover in a closed position;

FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a beverage maker according to afourth embodiment of the disclosure, with the cover in a closedposition;

FIG. 11B, is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the beveragemaker of FIG. 11A, taken along sectional line 11B-11B, with the cover inthe closed position;

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of the beverage maker of FIG. 11A,with the cover in a partially open position;

FIG. 12B is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the beveragemaker of FIG. 11A, taken along sectional line 12B-12B, with the cover inthe partially open position;

FIG. 13A is a side elevational view of the beverage maker of FIG. 11A,with the cover in a further open position; and

FIG. 13B is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the beveragemaker of FIG. 11A, taken along sectional line 13B-13B, with the cover inthe further open position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top”designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Thewords “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “upwardly” and “downwardly” refer todirections toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center ofthe beverage maker, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with thepresent disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,”“an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should beread as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words notedabove, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

It should also be understood that the terms “about,” “approximately,”“generally,” “substantially” and like terms, used herein when referringto a dimension or characteristic of a component of the disclosure,indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strictboundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefromthat are functionally similar. At a minimum, such references thatinclude a numerical parameter would include variations that, usingmathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g.,rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturingtolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate likeelements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-7 a beverage maker,generally designated 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The beverage maker 10 is intended or designedfor preparing a beverage from foodstuff (not shown) to be consumed by auser. The foodstuff is preferably inserted into at least a portion ofthe beverage maker 10 in a dry or generally dry state. Followingcompletion of preparation of the beverage, any moist or saturatedfoodstuff remaining in the beverage maker 10 is preferably removed andeither recycled or discarded.

Although the beverage maker 10 may be generally referred to as a“coffeemaker,” wherein coffee is prepared from coffee grounds, thebeverage maker is preferably capable of making other beverages fromextractable/infusible foodstuff as well, such as tea leaves, hotchocolate powder, soup ingredients, oatmeal, and the like. Thus, thebeverage maker 10 is versatile because it may be used to create and/orprepare any one of a variety of different types of beverages from avariety of different types of foodstuff. More specifically, the beveragemaker 10 preferably heats a liquid, such as water, to a sufficienttemperature to be combined with or poured over the foodstuff to create ahot beverage (or even a cold beverage if poured over ice).

The beverage maker 10 of the preferred embodiment prepares a beverage ofa single-serving size (which is up to approximately sixteen ounces ofprepared beverage), although it is envisioned that, in alternativeembodiments, the beverage maker 10 may be operative with smaller orlarger serving sizes (e.g., a pot or carafe) as well. Depressing anon/off button (not shown) of the beverage maker 10 preferably initiatesan operating cycle, and subsequent depressing of the on/off buttonpreferably ends the operating cycle. The phrase “operating cycle” isbroadly defined herein as a period of time when the beverage maker 10 isfirst activated to when the beverage is fully prepared and the beveragemaker 10 is deactivated either by itself or by a user depressing theon/off button. As should be understood, the beverage maker 10 is notlimited to including solely an on/off button. For example, additionalbuttons, knobs, switches, levers (not shown) and/or a control panel maybe added to the beverage maker 10 to allow the user increased controlover the functionality and/or operation of the beverage maker 10.

The beverage maker 10 includes a housing or body 12 for enclosing andprotecting internal components of the beverage maker 10, as described indetail below. The body 12 and/or any components thereof may beconstructed from any polymer, metal or other suitable material orcombinations of materials. For example, an injection moldedacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material could be employed, butthe body 12 may be constructed of nearly any generally rigid materialthat is able to take on the general shape of the body 12 and perform thefunctionality of the body 12 described herein. The body 12 may begenerally or completely or partially opaque, translucent or transparent.The body 12 includes a recess 14 that is sized, shaped and/or configuredto receive and/or support at least a portion of cup, pot, carafe, travelmug, vessel or other receptacle (not shown) for receiving a beveragethat exits the beverage maker 10. The beverage preferably flows, dripsor otherwise accumulates in the receptacle, which is subsequentlyremoved from the recess 14 by a user prior for consumption of thebeverage.

The beverage maker 10 preferably allows a user to create a beverage fromfoodstuff in any one of a variety of different forms or states. Forexample, the beverage maker 10 may be used to make a hot beverage fromloose grounds or leaves. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the body12 includes funnel 62 oriented above the recess 14, through which abeverage is dispensed. The funnel 62 includes a basket 64 having an openupper end 64 a for receiving loose foodstuff grounds or the like, aswill described in further detail below. The basket 64 may include afilter (not shown) or be configured to receive a conventional orspecialized filter to facilitate infusion of the loose grounds with theliquid.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the beverage maker 10 may beused to make a beverage from grounds or leaves packed in a generallysoft packet (i.e., a flexible “pod” or a bag), or grounds or leavespacked in a generally hard container/cartridge 72 (shown schematicallyin FIG. 2). The cartridge 72 may include a generally rigid body and acap or foil top removable therefrom. For example, the cartridge 72 maybe a conventional K-CUP®, a rigid pod, or any other structure that iscapable of holding or storing foodstuff. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B,the funnel 62 includes a cartridge holder 66, for receiving a cartridge72 therein. The cartridge 72 is preferably removably insertable into thecartridge holder 66. As should be understood, however, the funnel 62 mayaccommodate both the basket 64 and the cartridge holder 66, e.g., theshell 66 being removably supported within the basket 64, such that auser may select whether to utilize loose grounds with the basket 64 orgrounds contained with a cartridge 72 with the cartridge holder 66.

The beverage maker 10 further includes a cover 16 movably, e.g.,hingedly or otherwise pivotably, attached to an upper end of the body12. The cover 16 is movable between an open position (FIG. 3A) toprovide and allow access to the interior of the body 12, includingaccess to the funnel 62 for inserting foodstuff therein, and a closedposition (FIG. 1), closing the upper end of the body 12, as described infurther detail below, and preventing access to the interior of the body12.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of various components of thebeverage maker 10, enclosed by the body 12, to illustrate the flow offluid therethrough. As shown, the body 12 includes a reservoir 18 forreceiving a liquid inserted by the user, to be used for preparing abeverage, when the cover 16 is moved into the open position. The term“reservoir” is broadly used herein throughout as a body, cavity, orconduit that holds a volume of liquid, either temporarily or for anextended period of time. The reservoir 18 is preferably sized, shapedand/or configured to receive at least an amount of liquid that issuitable for at least a single-serving size (up to approximately sixteenounces). However, as should be understood by those of ordinary skill inthe art, the reservoir 18 may alternatively be sufficiently sized toreceive an amount of liquid that is capable of filling an entire carafeof approximately one liter or greater, for example. As also should beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the reservoir 18 mayalternatively be removably attached to the interior or exterior of thebody 12.

An outlet 18 b is formed in a lower portion of the reservoir 18, and atleast a portion of a bottom wall of the reservoir 18 may be slanted orsloped to direct liquid within the reservoir 18 toward the outlet 18 b.The body 12 further includes a hot liquid generator (HLG) 20 having aHLG tank 20 a for receiving liquid. At least one heater 22 is in thermalcommunication with liquid in the HLG tank 20 a.

The HLG tank 20 a is, for example, a boiler or the like. However, theHLG 20 need not be a tank and may instead be in the form of a generallyU-shaped, tubular, aluminum extrusion, or the like. The heater 22 ispreferably located outside of, and in contact with, the HLG tank 20 a toheat the liquid therein. However, the heater 22 may also be locatedinside the HLG tank 20 a in direct or indirect physical contact with theliquid. The HLG tank 20 a preferably includes an inlet 20 b (i.e.,upstream side) and an outlet 20 c (i.e., downstream side). The inlet 20b of the HLG tank 20 a is fluidly connected to the outlet 18 b of thereservoir 18 via a fill tube 19, for receiving liquid therefrom. Thephrase “fluidly connected” is broadly used herein as being in direct orindirect fluid communication.

The beverage maker 10 further includes an inlet check valve 24positioned in the fill tube 19 between the reservoir 18 and the HLG tank20 a. Liquid flows from the reservoir 18 to the HLG tank 20 a, e.g., viagravity, through the inlet check valve 24. The inlet check valve 24prevents liquid from flowing back out of the inlet 20 b of the HLG tank20 a toward the reservoir 18. The inlet check valve 24, and any othercheck valves described herein, may be any type of one-way valve, such asa silicone flapper, a ball-type valve, a diaphragm-type valve, aduckbill valve, an in-line valve, a stop-check valve, a lift-checkvalve, or the like.

A discharge port 26, attached to the movable cover 16 (FIGS. 3, 5B, 7)and movable therewith, is in fluid communication with the HLG 20 via theoutlet 20 c thereof, and is located above, and in fluid communicationwith the funnel 62, having foodstuff therein. A discharge or riser tube28 fluidly connects the outlet 20 c of HLG tank 20 a to the dischargeport 26. A check valve 30, similar to the check valve 24, is locatedproximate the discharge port 26 to prevent fluid flow back into thedischarge tube 28 and the HLG tank 20 a.

The discharge port 26 may include one or more relatively small or narrowinternal passageway(s). At least a portion of an outlet end of thedischarge tube 28 may be slanted or sloped to direct liquid toward thedischarge port 26. A lower tip of the discharge port 26 may be sharp orpointed for piercing a cartridge 72 in the funnel 62, when present.Thus, in embodiments where a cartridge 72 is used and properly insertedinto the cartridge holder 66 in the funnel 62, an interior of thecartridge 72 is fluidly connected to the discharge port 26. Morespecifically, the motion of closing the cover 16 brings the pointed endof the discharge port 26 into contact with the top or cap 72 c of thecartridge 72, such that the tip or distal end of the discharge port 26at least partially pierces or is otherwise inserted into the cap 72 c ofthe cartridge 72.

As should be understood, prior to being inserted into the funnel 62, thecartridge 72 may be air-tight. However, once the cartridge 72 isproperly inserted into the cartridge holder 66 in the funnel 62 and thecover 16 is closed, at least two spaced-apart holes are preferablyformed or present in the cartridge 72. A first hole 72 a exists by or atthe discharge port 26 piercing or being inserted into the cartridge cap72 c. Thus, the first hole 72 a is preferably formed in an upper end orcap 72 c of the cartridge 72. The first hole 72 a can be formed bymoving the cover 16, and thus the lower tip of the discharge port 26,with respect to the generally stationary funnel 62, into the closedposition. A second hole 72 b is present or is formed preferably in ornear a lower end of the cartridge 72 and vertically below foodstuffgrounds within the cartridge 72. The second hole 72 b can be formedduring and/or after the cartridge 72 is properly inserted into thecartridge holder 66. The second hole 72 b allows the infused beverage toleave the cartridge 72 for dispensing into a receptacle.

Liquid may exit the discharge port 26 at an angle with respect to alongitudinal axis of the discharge port 26. In particular, liquid mayexit the discharge port 26 at an angle between approximately thirty andninety degrees)(30°-90° with respect to a longitudinal, i.e., major,axis of the body 12. However, liquid may alternatively exit thedischarge port 26 in a manner that is parallel to the longitudinal axisof the body 12. Other geometric arrangements may also be suitable. Asshould be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, thedischarge port 26 may alternatively resemble a more conventionalshowerhead of an automatic drip coffeemaker (ADC) for use with looseinfusible material in the basket 64.

An air pump 32 is provided within the body 12 for moving, i.e.,displacing, liquid in the HLG tank 20 a through the discharge tube 28 tothe discharge port 26. As should be understood by those of ordinaryskill in the art, however, a water pump may be utilized instead of, orin addition to, the air pump 32. As also should be understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art, the beverage maker 10 may be steamoperated rather than pump operated, as described, for example, in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/949,394, filed Jul. 24, 2013, entitled“Kitchen Appliance for Preparing a Beverage and Method of OperatingSame,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

Operation of the air pump 32 can be automatic or controlled by a userthrough selective manipulation of a display (not shown). The air pump 32preferably empties the HLG tank 20 a of liquid, as will be described indetail below. As will also be described in detail below, operation ofthe air pump 30 is controlled in the illustrated embodiment via acontroller 34 using feedback from at least one temperature sensor 36operatively connected to the HLG tank 20 a for sensing the temperatureof the liquid therein. As should be understood, any temperature sensor36, currently known or that later becomes known by those of ordinaryskill in the art may be utilized, such as, for example, withoutlimitation, a thermistor that changes resistance with temperature andtransmits a corresponding voltage to the controller 34. A liquid levelsensor (not shown), operatively connected to the controller 34, may alsobe present in the HLG tank 20 a to detect and provide liquid levelfeedback to the controller for operation of the heater 22.

The controller 34 may be any type of controller, such as amicroprocessor, multiple processors, or the like. The controller 34preferably includes or is operatively coupled to a memory (not shown)that stores the code or software for carrying out operation of thebeverage maker 10. The memory can be any known or suitable memory devicesuch as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash RAM,or the like. The controller 34 may also include, as hardware orsoftware, or may be operatively connected to other components, such asclocks, timers, or the like (not shown) used for operating the beveragemaker 10.

As shown schematically in FIG. 2, a vent tube 38 is provided to allowair, displaced by liquid entering the HLG tank 20 a from the reservoir18, to escape from the HLG tank 20 a. In the illustrated embodiment, thevent tube 38 extends from within the HLG tank 20 a to the reservoir 18.Preferably, the vent tube 38 extends from proximate a lower portion orbase of the HLG tank 20 a and defines an inner diameter within the rangeof approximately 1.5 mm to approximately 2.5 mm. A vent valve 40 islocated in the vent tube 38 proximate the reservoir 18 and a ventorifice 42 is located in the vent tube 38, proximate an upper or topinner surface of the HLG tank 20 a. The vent orifice 42 has a diameterwithin the range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm, andpreferably approximately 2 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the ventvalve 40 is located within the reservoir 18, although the vented air maybe directed to other locations as well.

The vent valve 40 is biased into a normally open position to allow airto escape from the HLG tank 20 a through the vent tube 38 (includingthrough the vent orifice 42) and out the vent valve 40 as liquid isreceived into the HLG tank 20 a from the reservoir 18. The vent valve 40is preferably a needle valve or the like, although other types ofvalves, currently known or that later become known, may be used as well.As will be described in further detail below, the diameter of the ventorifice 42 is particularly set to balance between allowing air to escapetherethrough during filling of the HLG tank 20 a and thereafterassisting in building pressure within the HLG tank 20 a for dispensingthe liquid therefrom.

An overpressure tube 44 is also provided and connected to the HLG tank20 a to vent excess pressure caused by any malfunction. An overpressurevalve 46, which is preferably in the form of a spring biased needlevalve or the like, is located at an end of overpressure tube 44 oppositethe HLG tank 20 a. Conversely to the vent valve 40, the overpressurevalve 46, i.e., safety valve, is biased into a normally closed positionunder normal operating conditions and is configured to move against thebias into an open position at a predetermined internal pressure of theHLG tank 20 a, determined to be an abnormally high amount of pressure.In the illustrated embodiment, a pump line 48 from the air pump 32 joinsthe overpressure tube 44 for communicating with the HLG tank 20 a andthe overpressure valve 46. However, as should be understood, othermethods of connecting the air pump 32 to the HLG tank 22 may be utilizedas well.

In the event that an abnormally high amount of pressure builds up in theHLG tank 20 a (at or above the predetermined internal pressure set forthe overpressure valve 46), e.g., due to malfunctioning of the heater 22or the air pump 32, air is allowed to escape through the overpressurevalve 46 to relieve the excessive pressure. That is, the overpressurevalve 46 operates as a course adjustment of pressure within the systemfor releasing excess pressure at a high release rate.

As also shown schematically in FIG. 2, a pressure regulation tube 50having a pressure regulation orifice 52 branches off the pump line 48,and is therefore fluidly communicated with the air pump 32. The pressureregulation orifice 52 is sized and configured to bleed off minor excesspressure caused by the air pump 32 during normal operation, to assist inmaintaining an even pressure within the system during air pump 32operation. That is the pressure regulation orifice 52 operates as a fineadjustment of pressure within the system.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the body 12 further includes a switch 54, e.g., acontact or microswitch, located at the upper end thereof andelectrically coupled with the controller 34 and the pump 32 (shownschematically in FIGS. 3B, 3C). The switch 54 is biased in an offposition (FIG. 3B) when the cover 16 is raised, electricallydisconnecting the controller 34 from the pump 32, and is actuatable bythe cover 16 in a closed position into an on position (FIG. 3C),electrically connecting the controller 34 with the pump 32, in a mannerwell understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively,the switch 54 may be connected between the pump 32 and a source ofelectrical power (not shown) for the pump 32 to provide or remove powerfrom the pump 32. When the cover 16 is in the closed position thereof(FIG. 1), the cover 16 mechanically actuates, e.g., depresses, theswitch 54 to overcome the bias into the on position (FIG. 3C). Thus,when the cover 16 is in the closed position, the controller 34 (orelectrical power) is electrically connected with the pump 32, andtherefore may operate the pump 32 when necessary. Conversely, when thecover 16 is moved away from the closed position (FIG. 3A), e.g., into anopen position thereof, the cover 16 releases the switch 54 for returninto the off position (FIG. 3B). Thus, when the cover 16 is open, thepump 32 is inoperable, and if the cover 16 is opened during a brewingcycle, as described in further detail below, pump 32 operation isimmediately terminated as the pump 32 is electrically disconnected fromthe controller 34.

As shown in FIG. 4A (and schematically in FIG. 2), the body 12 alsoincludes a pressure release valve 56 located at the upper end thereofand in fluid communication with at least the pump 32 and the HLG tank 20a, via a pressure release line 58. The pressure release valve 56 isbiased into one of an open position for releasing pressure within theHLG tank 20 a therethrough and a closed position for preventing therelease of pressure within the HLG tank 20 a therethrough, and thepressure release valve 56 is actuatable by the cover 16 into the otherof the open and closed positions.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 4A, the pressure release valve 56 islocated forward of the pivot attachment between the cover 16 and thebody 12, i.e., on the same side of the pivot attachment as the reservoir18 and the funnel 62. The pressure release valve 56 is in operativeengagement with a first orifice 60 of the pressure release line 58. Thevalve 56 includes a generally hollow and dome-shaped elastic valve body56 a defining an integral elastic spring, monolithic with the valve body56 a, and a generally central valve stem 56 b projecting through, andmonolithic with, the valve body/spring 56 a. The base of the dome-shapedelastic valve body 56 a is spaced from the first orifice 60. The firstorifice 60 defines a valve seat of the pressure release valve 56 that issized and shaped to sealingly receive the valve stem 56 b in the closedposition of the pressure release valve 56.

The elastic valve body 56 a of the valve 56 biases, i.e., spaces, thevalve stem 56 b away from the first orifice 60, such that the valve 56is in an open position, for releasing pressure within the HLG tank 20 afrom the first orifice 60 through the space between the first orifice 60and the base of the dome-shaped elastic valve body 56 a. Accordingly,when the cover 16 is in an open position, i.e., partially or fully open,disengaged from the valve stem 56 b, the elastic valve body 56 a biasesthe pressure release valve 56 into the open position, spaced from thefirst orifice 60. Conversely, when the cover 16 is in the closedposition thereof, the cover 16 mechanically overcomes the bias of theelastic valve body 56 a and mechanically moves, e.g., depresses, thevalve stem 56 b downwardly into sealing engagement with the firstorifice 60, thereby closing the valve 56.

Thus, when the cover 16 is open, the pressure release valve 56 is openand pressure cannot build up in the HLG tank 20 a (but rather isreleased from the valve 56), and if the cover 16 is opened duringoperation of a brewing cycle, the valve 56 is released, thereby openingand pressure within the HLG tank 20 a is substantially immediatelyreleased, thereby preventing further discharge of hot liquid from thedischarge port 26, as described in further detail below. As alsodescribed further below, pressure released through the valve 56 isredirected to a location generally not accessible by, or substantiallynot directed toward, the consumer, such as, for example, withoutlimitation, into the body 12, reservoir 18 or a drip tray.

Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG. 4B, the pressure release valve56′ is located rearwardly of the pivot attachment between the cover 16and the body 12, i.e., the opposing side of the pivot attachmentrelative to the reservoir 18 and the funnel 62. The pressure releasevalve 56′ is attached to the first orifice 60′ of the pressure releaseline 58′, in fluid communication with the pump 32 and the HLG tank 20 a.The pressure release valve 56′ includes a generally cylindrical, hollowvalve body 56 a′ and an annular valve seat 56 c′ projecting radiallyinwardly from the valve body 56 a′. The annular valve seat 56 c′includes a generally central aperture 56 f. A valve stem 56 b′ projectsthrough the valve body 56 a′ and the aperture 56 f of the valve seat 56c′. The valve stem 56 b′ also includes an annular seal 56 d′ attachedthereto, proximate a base end thereof. A spring 56 e′, e.g., a coilspring or the like, is operatively connected between the valve body 56a′ and the valve stem 56 b′, and normally biases the annular seal 56 d′into sealing engagement with the valve seat 56 c′. Thus, conversely topressure release valve 56, the pressure release valve 56′ is biased bythe spring 56 e′ into the closed position.

Accordingly, when the cover 16 is opened (FIG. 4B), the cover 16 engagesthe valve stem 56 b′ and mechanically actuates, e.g., depresses, thevalve stem 56 b′ against the bias of the spring 56 e′, therebydisengaging and spacing the annular seal 56 d′ from the valve seat 56 c′and opening the pressure release valve 56′ to allow pressure within HLGtank 20 a to release therethrough. Upon movement of the cover 16 to theclosed position thereof, the cover 16 mechanically releases the valvestem 56 b′ of the valve 56′ for return into the closed position via thebias of the spring 56 e′. Thus, similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 4A,when the cover 16 is open, the pressure release valve 56′ is open andpressure cannot build up in the HLG tank 20 a (but rather is releasedfrom the valve 56′), and if the cover 16 is opened during operation of abrewing cycle, the valve 56′ opens and pressure within the HLG tank 20 ais substantially immediately released, thereby preventing furtherdischarge of hot liquid from the discharge port 26, as described infurther detail below.

Operation of the beverage maker is similar to the method of operationdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/177,347, filed Feb. 11,2014 and entitled “Computer Controlled Coffeemaker,” which is assignedto the assignee of the present application and is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety, as if fully set forth herein. Nonetheless,general operation of the beverage maker 10 will now be described.

The beverage maker 10 is first powered on, e.g., when the beverage maker10 is plugged into an outlet, recovers from a power failure, or thelike. At power on, the controller 34 enters into communication with atleast the liquid level sensor (not shown), the temperature sensor 36 inthe HLG tank 20 a, the heater 22, and the air pump 32.

To make a beverage, a user opens the cover 16 to access the reservoir 18and the funnel 62. Once the cover 16 is opened, the switch 54 isreleased and returns to the off position (FIG. 3B), electricallydisconnecting the controller 34 from the pump 32 (or the pump 32 from apower source). The pressure release valve 56, 56′ is also opened. Theuser then either adds loose grounds into the basket 64 or inserts acartridge 72 into the cartridge holder 66, and pours liquid, e.g.,water, into the reservoir 18.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, a metering valve 68 islocated at the outlet 18 b of the reservoir 18, to assist the user indetermining the volume of liquid poured into the reservoir 18. Themetering valve 68 is in fluid communication with the fill tube 19, andincludes a valve body 68 e defining a valve seat 68 f and a meteringstem 68 a projecting through the valve body 68 e and upwardly past theopen upper end of the reservoir 18. The metering stem 68 a has meteringmarkings 68 b thereon for indicating a volume of liquid within thereservoir 18. As shown best in FIG. 5B, the metering valve 68 furtherincludes an annular seal 68 c attached thereto proximate a base endthereof. A spring 68 d, e.g., a coil spring or the like, is operativelyconnected between the valve body 68 e and the metering stem 68 a, andnormally biases the annular seal 68 c into sealing engagement with thevalve seat 68 f (FIG. 5A). Therefore, when the user pours liquid intothe reservoir 18 (with the cover 16 open), the metering valve 68 isbiased into a closed position (FIG. 5A) and the liquid accumulates inthe reservoir 18. Thus, the user can tell how much liquid has beenpoured according to the metered markings 68 b on the metering stem 68 a.

Once the user pours in the desired volume of liquid, the user closes thecover 16. The cover 16 mechanically actuates, e.g., depresses, themetering stem 68 a (FIG. 5B), against the bias of the spring 68 d, intoan open position of the metering valve 68, thereby releasing the liquidwithin the reservoir through the metering valve 68 and fill tube 19 andinto the HLG tank 20 a. Air within the HLG tank 20 a that is displacedby the liquid, escapes through the vent tube 38 (including through ventorifice 42) and vent valve 40, which is biased into the open positionthereof.

Alternatively, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the vent tube 38extends proximate to the upper end of the reservoir 18, and includes aviewing section 38 a within the reservoir 18, that is visible to theuser from inside the reservoir 18 and/or the external surface of thebody 12. The viewing section 38 a is, for example, transparent ortranslucent, and includes measured markings 38 b thereon for indicatinga volume of liquid within the HLG tank 20 a. A floatation member 39 islocated within the vent tube 38 having a floatation stem 39 a projectingtherefrom toward the reservoir 18. Accordingly, when the user poursliquid into the reservoir 18, which flows into the HLG tank 20 a, theliquid within the HLG tank 20 a raises the floatation member 39 and anupper end of the floatation stem 39 a becomes visible through theviewing section 38 a of the vent tube 38, relative to the measuredmarkings 38 b, thereby indicating the volume of liquid within the HLGtank 20 a. As in the above-described embodiment, air within the HLG tank20 a that is displaced by the liquid, also escapes through the vent tube38 and vent valve 40, which is biased into the open position thereof.

In either embodiment, as liquid rises in the HLG tank 20 a, the liquidreaches and exceeds the base end of the vent tube 38. As the pressurewithin the HLG tank 20 a and the vent tube 38 is approximately the same,the liquid enters and rises through the vent tube 38 along with the riseof liquid in the HLG tank 20 a. Thus, the liquid level within the venttube 38 is approximately equivalent to the liquid level within the HLGtank 20 a, and effectively closes the base end of the vent tube 38.Nonetheless, the vent orifice 42, above the liquid level, continues toallow air to enter the vent tube 38 and escape through the vent valve40.

After pouring the desired amount of liquid into the beverage maker 10,the user returns the cover 16 into the closed position, mechanicallyactuating the switch 54 into the on position (FIG. 3C) to electricallyconnect the controller 34 with the pump 32 (or the pump 32 to the powersource). The pressure release valve 56, 56′ is also closed. The userthen initiates the brewing cycle, e.g., by selecting a button orcombination of buttons. The controller 34 thereafter energizes theheater 22 and also confirms that there is sufficient liquid in the HLGtank 20 a, via feedback from the liquid level sensor. As should beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art, if the controller 34determines that there is an insufficient amount of liquid in the HLGtank 20 a, the user is notified, e.g., a visual or audible alert is madeto the user, and the heater 22 is turned off.

As the heater 22 heats the liquid within the HLG tank 20 a, thetemperature sensor 36 communicates with the controller 34, providingfeedback correlating to the temperature of the liquid within the HLGtank 20 a. The controller 34 periodically reads the feedback andcalculates the temperature within the HLG tank 20 a in a manner wellunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art, to assess whether thetemperature of the liquid in the HLG tank 20 a has reached or exceeded apreset final value, e.g., within the range of approximately 89° C. toapproximately 95° C.

As should be understood, heating of the liquid within the HLG tank 20causes expansion of the liquid, that, in turn, causes the liquid levelto rise further in the vent tube 38. Vapor is also generated within theHLG tank 20 a, e.g., via thin film boiling (as should be understood bythose of ordinary skill in the art), which creates pressure in the HLGtank 20 a. The vapor attempts to escape the HLG tank 20 a via the ventorifice 42. However, due to the diameter of the vent orifice 42, thedeveloping vapor begins to overwhelm the vent orifice 42, i.e., the ventorifice 42 begins to restrict the flow rate for adequate vapor escape.Once the temperature of the liquid within the HLG tank 20 a reaches thepreset final value, the controller 34 energizes the air pump 32. Thecontroller 34 may also power the heater 22 off.

Operation of the air pump 32 causes a sudden additional increase inpressure within the HLG tank 20 a, thereby overwhelming the vent orifice42, i.e., the vent orifice 42 can no longer accommodate the necessaryflow rate therethrough for pressure relief, and building a pressuredifferential between the (greater) pressure in the HLG tank 20 arelative to the (lower) pressure within the vent tube 38. The pressuredifferential causes the liquid within the vent tube 38 to further rise,ultimately blocking the vent orifice 42. Once the vent orifice 42 isblocked, air can no longer escape the HLG tank 20 a, therebyaccelerating the rate of liquid rising within the vent tube 38 andcompressing the air therein. The rapid compression of the air within thevent tube 38 closes the vent valve 40.

Once the vent valve 40 is closed, the valve 40 remains closed due to thestatic air pressure within the vent tube 38 (Bernoulli's principle), asshould be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Once thevent valve 40 is closed, the pressure within the HLG tank 20 a continuesto increase, thereby forcing the heated liquid out of the HLG outlet 20c, for proceeding through the discharge tube 28 and exiting through thedischarge port 26 to interact with the foodstuff grounds, e.g., with theloose grounds in the basket 64 or in the cartridge 72.

Where a cartridge 72 packing foodstuff grounds is utilized, thecartridge 72 remains at least relatively or even fully air-tight,thereby acting as a restriction on the discharge port 26. To overcomethis restriction, the heated liquid flows under pressure through thedischarge port 26 and into the cartridge 72 to saturate the foodstufftherein. The heated liquid is therefore forced to flow through thesaturated foodstuff under pressure and exits the cartridge 72 into thefunnel 62. By pressurizing the heated liquid within the cartridge 72,the liquid wicks better with the grounds to create a stronger hotbeverage, and the brewed beverage is dispensed at a faster flow rate.

Conversely, where the basket 64 having loose grounds therein is used,the basket 64 generally does not restrict the discharge port 26 in thesame manner. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, the cover 16 includes abasket cover 70 attached to an inner side thereof, and is located andshaped to sealingly engage the upper end of the basket 64 when the coveris moved into the closed position. The sealing engagement between thebasket cover 70 and the basket 64 maintains the basket 64 at leastrelatively or even fully air-tight, similarly to the cartridge 72, suchthat pressurized heated liquid flows through the basket 64 insubstantially the same manner as the heated liquid flows through thecartridge 72, and into the funnel 62. Additionally, the sealedengagement between the basket cover 70 and the basket 64 preventsfoodstuff or liquid from flowing out of the upper end of the basket 64.

The funnel 62 may include a sloped floor to a funnel outlet 62 a. Thebrewed beverage drains from funnel outlet 62 a and into a receptacle(not shown) positioned in the recess 14. At this point a normal brewcycle has been completed. If, however, the user opens the cover 16 atany point during the brewing cycle, the switch 54 is released by thecover 16 and returns to the off position (FIG. 3B), electricallydisconnecting the controller 34 from the pump 32 (or the pump 32 fromthe power source), and the pressure release valve 56, 56′ is alsoopened. That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the cover 16 releases thepressure release valve 56 for return into the open position. Conversely,in the embodiment of FIG. 4B, the cover 16 mechanically actuates, e.g.,depresses, the pressure release valve 56′ into the open position. Ineither embodiment, the pressure within the HLG 20 a is substantiallyimmediately relieved. Accordingly, as the pressure with the HLG tank 20a is relieved and the air pump 32 is powered off (thereby no creatingany additional pressure) substantially no heated liquid can be dispensedfrom the discharge port 26, preventing possible injury to the user.

FIGS. 8A-9B illustrate a second preferred embodiment of a beverage maker110 of the present disclosure. The reference numerals of the presentembodiment are distinguishable from those of the earlier embodiment(s)by a factor of one hundred (100), but otherwise indicate the sameelements as indicated above, except as otherwise specified. Where acomponent of the beverage maker 110 is unchanged from the earlierembodiment(s) and is not shown in FIGS. 8A-9B, however, the referencenumeral of the earlier embodiment will be utilized.

The beverage maker 110 of the present embodiment is substantiallysimilar to that of the earlier embodiment(s). While certain likereference numerals may be shown in FIGS. 8A-9B, the description ofcertain similarities between the embodiments may be omitted herein forthe sake of brevity and convenience, and, therefore, is not limiting. Aprimary difference of the beverage maker 110, 110′ in comparison to thebeverage maker 10 is the location and design of the pressure releasevalve 156, 156′.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-9B, the beverage maker 110, 110′ includes apressure release valve 156, 156′ in fluid communication with at leastthe pump 32 and the HLG tank 20 a, via a pressure release line 158.Referring to FIGS. 8A-8B, the pressure release valve 156 includes agenerally cylindrical, hollow valve body 156 a mounted to the cover 116and a complementary valve stem 156 b mounted to the body 112. The valvebody 156 a is attached to the first orifice 160 of the pressure releaseline 158 and includes an annular valve seat 156 c projecting radiallyinwardly from the valve body 156 a. The annular valve seat 156 cincludes a generally central aperture 156 f. In the open position of thecover 116, i.e., partially or fully open, as shown in FIG. 8A, the valvebody 156 a and the valve stem 156 b are physically disengaged from oneanother. Accordingly, the valve stem 156 b is mechanically disengagedfrom the valve seat 156 c, and pressure within the HLG tank 20 a isreleased via the aperture 156 f, thereby preventing discharge, orfurther discharge, of hot liquid from the discharge port 126.

Conversely, as shown in FIG. 8B, the valve stem 156 b mounted on thebody 112 sealingly engages the valve seat 156 c mounted to the cover 116in the closed position of the cover 116, thereby preventing release ofpressure within the HLG tank 20 a through the aperture 156 f.Accordingly, pressure is capable of building up in the HLG tank 20 a fordischarge of hot liquid via the discharge port 126, as explained abovein the embodiment of the beverage maker 10.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9B, the beverage maker 110′ may alternativelyinclude a pressure release valve 156′ mounted to the cover 116.Similarly to the valve 156, the valve 156′ includes a valve body 156 a′having a valve seat 156 c′ projecting radially inwardly therefrom andincluding a generally central aperture 156 f. The valve stem 156 b′,e.g., a generally elastic valve stem, is flexibly attached to the valvebody 156 a′ via a connecting member 156 g′. The valve stem 156 b′ isspaced from the valve seat 156 c′ in a normal, unactuated positionthereof, thereby permitting release of pressure within the HLG tank 20 afrom the aperture 156 f through the space between the aperture 156 f andthe valve steam 156 b′. Accordingly, when the cover 116 is in an openposition, i.e., partially or fully open, the valve stem 156 b′ isdisengaged from the valve seat 156 c′ and pressure does not build upsufficiently in the HLG tank 20 a to discharge liquid via the dischargeport 126′ (but rather is released from the valve 156′).

The valve stem 156 b′ remains disengaged from the valve seat 156 c′unless mechanically actuated into sealing engagement therewith in theclosed position of the cover 116′. As shown in FIG. 9B, a surface of thebody 112′ engages and mechanically actuates the elastic valve stem 156b′ into sealing engagement with the valve seat 156 c′, in the closedposition of the cover 116, thereby preventing release of pressure withinthe HLG tank 20 a through the aperture 156 f. During movement of thecover 116 from the closed position (FIG. 9B) to the open position (FIG.9A), the elastic valve stem 156 b′ returns into normal disengagementfrom the valve seat 156 c′ once no longer contacted by the body 112′. Asshould be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, thevalve stem 156 b′ may be spaced from the valve seat 156 c′ via any ofnumerous different methods known in the art, such as for example via aspring or alternative biasing member capable of biasing the valve stem156 b′ away from the valve seat 156 c′ when not actuated by the body112′.

As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, the beverage maker 110 may also include adeflecting member 174 positioned between the pressure release valve 156and the discharge port 126. In the illustrated embodiment, thedeflecting member 174 is attached to the cover 116 and extends into thebody 112. The deflecting member 174 advances further into the body 112when the cover 116 is closed. Otherwise, the deflecting member 174 maybe configured to fold or bend when the cover 116 is closed. As should beunderstood, however, the deflecting member 174 may alternatively beattached to the body 112, and extend to the cover 116. The deflectingmember 174 is also positioned forward of an orifice 176 in the body 112,in fluid communication with a controlled area of the beverage maker 110,i.e., a location generally not accessible by, or substantially notdirected toward, the consumer, such as, for example, without limitation,the interior of the body 112, the reservoir 18 or a drip tray (notshown).

In one embodiment, the pressure release valve 156 and the orifice 176may be substantially enclosed by the cover 116, the body 112 and thedeflecting ember 174. The deflecting member 174 assists in directingfluid released from the pressure release valve 156 toward the orifice176 thereby directing the fluid into the controlled area. As should beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art, although thedeflecting member 174 is not shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the deflecting member174 is equally employable with the pressure release valve 156′.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate a third preferred embodiment of a beveragemaker 210 of the present disclosure. The reference numerals of thepresent embodiment are distinguishable from those of the earlierembodiment(s) by a factor of two hundred (200), but otherwise indicatethe same elements as indicated above, except as otherwise specified.Where a component of the beverage maker 210 is unchanged from theearlier embodiment(s) and is not shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, however, thereference numeral of the earlier embodiment(s) will be utilized.

The beverage maker 210 of the present embodiment is substantiallysimilar to that of the earlier embodiment(s). While certain likereference numerals may be shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, the description ofcertain similarities between the embodiments may be omitted herein forthe sake of brevity and convenience, and, therefore, is not limiting. Aprimary difference of the beverage maker 210 in comparison to thebeverage makers 10, 110 is the inclusion of a pinch valve 280. Althougha pressure release valve is not shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, it should beunderstood that the pinch valve 280 may equally be employed inconjunction with a pressure release valve, such as, for example, withoutlimitation, any of the pressure release valve configurations describedin the earlier embodiments.

As shown, the pinch valve 280 is mounted on the flexible discharge tube228, which fluidly connects the outlet 20 c of the HLG tank 20 a withthe discharge port 226. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10B,the pinch valve 280 is also securely attached to the cover 216. However,as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the pinchvalve 280 may alternatively be attached to any portion on the body 212,or within the body 212, permitting the pinch valve 280 to perform thefunctions described herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pinch valve 280 includes a supportingmember 282 securely attached to the cover 216. A section of the flexibledischarge tube 228 extends through, and is supported by, the supportingmember 282. The pinch valve 280 further includes a biasing member 284operatively connected with the supporting member 282. In the illustratedembodiment, the biasing member 284 is a generally cantilever typespring, fixed at one end thereof to the cover 216. The spring 284includes a clip 284 a at an opposing end thereof, defining an aperture284 b. The aperture 284 b encloses a cross-section of the flexibledischarge tube 228 and a base portion 282 a of the supporting member282, thereby bounding the cross-section of the discharge tube 228between the clip 284 a and the base portion 282 a of the supportingmember 282. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart, any biasing member currently known or that later becomes known,capable of performing the functions of the biasing member 284 describedherein may alternatively be utilized. Similarly, alternative pinchvalves capable of performing the functions of the pinch valve 280described herein may alternatively be utilized.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the biasing member 284, i.e., the cantileverspring, is configured to be oriented/bent into a natural pinchingposition, wherein the clip 284 a exerts a downward force onto thecross-section of the discharge tube 228 within the aperture 284 b,thereby pinching the cross-section against the base portion 282 a of thesupporting member 282. Accordingly, the clip 284 a pinches the dischargetube 228, thereby substantially occluding the discharge tube 228 and, inturn, substantially obstructing fluid flow from the HLG outlet 20 c tothe discharge port 226. In the illustrated embodiment, the cantileverspring may be constructed of spring steel, having high yield stress,thereby being capable of both maintaining the pinching position andreturning to the pinching position after being actuated away from suchposition (as disclosed below). The biasing member 284 may also beconstructed of alternative materials having similar properties.

As shown in FIG. 10B, when the cover 216 is in a closed position, aportion, e.g., a surface, of the body 212 mechanically engages andactuates the spring 284 into a release position. That is, as the cover216 is moved toward the body 212, the spring 284, including the clip 284a, is moved upwards upon contact with the body 212, overcoming thenatural downward force of the clip 284 a. In the release position of thespring 282, the cross-section of the discharge tube 228 within theaperture 284 b is substantially not pinched or occluded, therebypermitting fluid flow from the HLG outlet 20 c to the discharge port226. Otherwise, when the cover 216 is in the open position, or is movedinto the open position, the spring 284 returns into the pinchingposition, substantially occluding fluid flow.

As explained above, the cover 216 is movably, i.e., pivotably, engagedwith the body 212. The cover 216 forms a pivot angle θ of approximately0° with the body 212 in the closed positioned thereof, and forms atleast an acute pivot angle θ with the body 212 in the open positionthereof. The cover 216 may define, for example, an obtuse pivot angle θof approximately 110° in the open position thereof. In one embodiment,the pinch valve 280 is positioned such that the biasing member 284 isdisengaged from the body 212 at approximately a 15° pivot angle θbetween the cover 216 and the body 212. That is, when the cover 216 ispivoted approximately 15° away from the closed position thereof (0°pivot angle θ), the biasing member 284 returns into the pinchingposition, substantially occluding fluid flow. Accordingly, fluid flow isprevented from reaching the discharge port 226 once the cover 216 ispivoted 15° away from the closed position, where the discharge port 226is not yet directed in the direction of the user.

As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, thedistance between the pivot point of the cover 216 and the pinch valve280 is a factor in determining the pivot angle θ at which the biasingmember 284 is disengaged from the body 212. The further the pinch valve280 is distanced from the pivot point, the shallower the pivot angle θat which the biasing member 284 is disengaged from the body 212.Accordingly, the pinch valve 280 may be relocated as necessary in orderto achieve the desired pivot angle θ at which the biasing member 284 isdisengaged from the body 212, in order to return to the pinchingposition thereof.

FIGS. 11A-13B illustrate a fourth preferred embodiment of a beveragemaker 310 of the present disclosure. The reference numerals of thepresent embodiment are distinguishable from those of the earlierembodiment(s) by a factor of three hundred (300), but otherwise indicatethe same elements as indicated above, except as otherwise specified.Where a component of the beverage maker 310 is unchanged from theearlier embodiment(s) and is not shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, however, thereference numeral of the earlier embodiment(s) will be utilized.

The beverage maker 310 of the present embodiment is substantiallysimilar to that of the earlier embodiment(s). While certain likereference numerals may be shown in FIGS. 11A-13B, the description ofcertain similarities between the embodiments may be omitted herein forthe sake of brevity and convenience, and, therefore, is not limiting. Aprimary difference of the beverage maker 310 in comparison to thebeverage makers 10, 110, 210 is the inclusion of a diverter valve 386.

The diverter valve 386 includes an inlet 386 a in fluid communicationwith the HLG outlet 20 c, a first outlet 386 b in fluid communicationwith the discharge port 326, and a second outlet 386 c in fluidcommunication with a separate bypass port 386 d. A sealing member 388(FIGS. 11B, 12B, 13B) is positioned within the diverter valve 386 and ismovable, e.g., pivotable, between a bypass position (FIGS. 12B, 13B),sealingly engaging the first outlet 386 b, and a discharge position(FIG. 11B), sealingly engaging the second outlet 386 c.

As will be described further below, the sealing member 388 ismechanically linked to the cover 316, such that the sealing member 388is oriented in the discharge position in the closed position of thecover 316, and oriented in the bypass position in the open position ofthe cover 316. In the discharge position (FIGS. 11A, 11B), the divertervalve inlet 386 a is in fluid communication with the diverter valvefirst outlet 386 b (the second outlet 386 c being sealed off by thesealing member 388). Accordingly, in the discharge position of thesealing member 388, the HLG tank 20 a is in fluid communication with thedischarge port 326, and therefore, fluid is able to be dischargedtherethrough. Conversely, in the bypass position (FIGS. 12A-13B), thediverter valve inlet 386 a is in fluid communication with the divertervalve second outlet 386 c (the first outlet 386 b being sealed off bythe sealing member 388). Accordingly, in the bypass position of thesealing member 388, the HLG tank 20 a is in fluid communication with theseparate bypass port 386 d. The separate bypass port 386 d is fluidlycommunicated with a designated bypass location, such as, for example,without limitation, the reservoir 18, a drip tray (not shown), or analternatively designated waste depository (not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member 388 is mechanicallylinked to the cover 316 via an over-the-center linkage 390. As should beunderstood, however, the sealing member 388 may be mechanically linkedto the cover 316 via any of numerous different linkages, cams, gears orthe like, currently known, or that later become known, capable ofperforming the mechanical linkage and accompanying rotation of thesealing member 388 between the discharge and bypass positions thereof,as explained in detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 11A, 12A and 13A, the over-the-center linkage 390includes a latch pawl 390 a and a cam member 390 b spaced therefrom. Thelatch pawl 390 a, the cam member 390 b and the sealing member 388 areeach rotatably securedly attached to an elongate bar 390 c extendingtherethrough. Accordingly, rotation of any one of the latch pawl 390 a,the cam member 390 b and the sealing member 388, about the central axisof the elongate bar 390 c, rotates the other two as well. Anover-the-center spring 392 is attached at one end thereof to thediverter valve 386 and at an opposing end thereof to the cam member 390b.

As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, theover-the-center spring 392 is configured to flip/snap between a firstposition (FIG. 11A) and a second position (FIG. 12A, 13A) at a critical,i.e., center, point. Initial rotation of the cam member 390 b inducesthe over-center-spring 392 to reach the critical point thereof andsnap/flip from one position to the other. Snapping/Flipping of theover-the-center spring 392 causes further rotation of the cam member 390b, and, therefore, the sealing member 388. The first position of thespring 392 (FIG. 11A) corresponds to the discharge position of thesealing member 388 (FIG. 11B), and rotation to the second position ofthe spring 392 (FIGS. 12A, 13A) rotates the sealing member 388 to thebypass position thereof (FIGS. 12B, 13B).

The latch pawl 390 a includes a groove 390 d engageable with aprojection 394 protruding from the cover 316. The projection 394 issecurely attached to the cover 316, and the latch pawl 390 a isrotatable relative to the projection 394 as the cover 316 is movedbetween the open and closed positions thereof. In the closed position ofthe cover 316 (FIG. 11A), the projection 394 is received within thegroove 390 d of the latch pawl 390 a. As the cover 316 is pivoted fromthe closed position toward the open position, the projection 394,engaged with the groove 390 d of the latch pawl 390 a, rotates the latchpawl 390 a, about an axis parallel to the elongate bar 390 c.

Therefore, the elongate bar 390 c also rotates about the central axisthereof, thereby also rotating the cam member 390 b and the sealingmember 388. Movement of the cover from the closed position toward theopen position also disengages the projection 394 from the groove 390 dof the latch pawl 390 a (FIG. 13A). Nonetheless, rotation of the cammember 390 b prior to disengagement of the latch pawl 390 a from theprojection 394 induces the over-center-spring 392 to reach the “criticalpoint” thereof and flip from the first position thereof to the secondposition thereof, thereby rotating the sealing member 388 from thedischarge position to the bypass position. Thus, as the cover 316 ismoved into the open position thereof, the diverter valve 386 is movedinto the bypass position thereof. As should be understood, rotating thecover from the open position back to the closed position results in thereverse movements to rotate the sealing member 388 from the bypassposition back to the discharge position.

As explained above, the cover 316 is movably, i.e., pivotably, engagedwith the body 312. In one embodiment, the over-the-center spring 392 isoriented such that the “critical point” thereof corresponds toapproximately a 15° pivot angle between the cover 316 and the body 312.Therefore, when the cover 316 is pivoted approximately 15° away from theclosed position thereof the sealing member 388 is rotated from thedischarging position to the bypassing position, thereby diverting flowto the bypass port 386 d, rather than to the discharge port 326.Accordingly, fluid flow is prevented from reaching the discharge port326 once the cover 216 is pivoted 15° away from the closed position,where the discharge port 326 is not yet directed in the direction of theuser. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art,however, the mechanical linkage between the sealing member 388 and thecover 316 may be altered such that the sealing member 388 switchesbetween the bypass and discharge positions at a different angularposition of the cover 316 relative to the body 312.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. For example, the beverage maker 10 mayinclude a second reservoir for receiving and/or holding liquid to beused for preparing a beverage that in fluid communication with thereservoir and preferably selectively removable from the body. It isunderstood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to covermodifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A beverage maker comprising: a body; a hot liquid generator(HLG) positioned within the body and having a tank, an inlet forreceiving liquid into the tank and a first outlet; at least one heaterin thermal communication with the liquid in the HLG tank; a dischargeport in fluid communication with the first outlet of the HLG fordischarge of the liquid; a cover movably attached to the body between aclosed position and an open position; and a pressure release valve inoperative engagement with a first orifice of a pressure release line,the pressure release valve in continuous fluid communication with asecond outlet of the HLG via the pressure release line, the pressurerelease valve comprising a valve seat mounted to the cover and acomplementary valve stem mounted to the body, the valve stem sealinglyengaging the valve seat in the closed position of the cover, therebypreventing release of pressure within the tank therethrough, movement ofthe cover from the closed position to the open position mechanicallydisengaging the valve stem from the valve seat, thereby releasingpressure within the tank through the valve stem.
 2. The beverage makerof claim 1, further comprising a deflecting member extending between thecover and the body, and an orifice in the body, the orifice and thepressure release valve being substantially enclosed by the cover, thebody and the deflecting member, such that fluid released from thepressure release valve flows into the orifice.
 3. The beverage maker ofclaim 1, further comprising a flexible tube fluidly communicating theHLG first outlet and the discharge port, and a pinch valve mounted ontothe flexible tube, the pinch valve including a biasing member biasingthe pinch valve into a pinching position, pinching the flexible tube andobstructing fluid flow from the HLG first outlet to the discharge port,the biasing member being mechanically engaged and actuated by the bodyinto a release position in the closed position of the cover, permittingfluid flow from the HLG first outlet to the discharge port, and thebiasing member returning the pinch valve to the pinching position in theopen position of the cover.
 4. A beverage maker comprising: a body; ahot liquid generator (HLG) positioned within the body and having a tank,an inlet for receiving liquid into the tank and a first outlet; at leastone heater in thermal communication with the liquid in the HLG tank; adischarge port in fluid communication with the first outlet of the HLGfor discharge of the liquid; a cover movably attached to the bodybetween a closed position and an open position; and a pressure releasevalve in operative engagement with a first orifice of a pressure releaseline, the pressure release valve in continuous fluid communication witha second outlet of the HLG via the pressure release line, the pressurerelease valve mounted to the cover and comprising a valve stem, a valveseat, and a biasing member biasing the valve stem into disengagementfrom the valve seat, wherein the body engages and mechanically actuatesthe valve stem into sealing engagement with the valve seat in the closedposition of the cover, against the bias of the biasing member, therebypreventing release of pressure within the tank therethrough, and thebody being disengaged from the pressure release valve in the openposition of the cover, such that the biasing member maintains the valvestem disengaged from the valve seat, thereby releasing pressure withinthe tank through the pressure valve stem.
 5. The beverage maker of claim4, further comprising a deflecting member positioned between the coverand the body, and an orifice in the body, the deflecting memberdirecting fluid released from the pressure release valve toward theorifice.
 6. The beverage maker of claim 4, further comprising a flexibletube fluidly communicating the HLG first outlet and the discharge port,and a pinch valve mounted onto the flexible tube, the pinch valveincluding a biasing member biasing the pinch valve into a pinchingposition, pinching the flexible tube and obstructing fluid flow from theHLG first outlet to the discharge port, the biasing member beingmechanically engaged and actuated by the body into a release position inthe closed position of the cover, permitting fluid flow from the HLGfirst outlet to the discharge port, and the biasing member returning thepinch valve to the pinching position in the open position of the cover.